Dual-polarity gas tube counter



Sept. 8, 1953 R. B. KOEHLER DUAL-POLARITY GAS TUBE COUNTER 2Sheets-Sheet l Filed M ay 15, 1951 R E L m2?. EEB Ro Y u OM E mmd ummmMTVQD W m 3 n 3 1 w R o www4?. @5.9 u mwomn n DN m IO 3 3 I H I M www4?.50.6 R o E m w m v m N o x o N .O .m a |l|||.|..||l| l I l l l l|| I I II l l I I l I l I l I l I I l l l I III- o): n N- who m mao To .T3 w whom mao v .3 m mao N au -o Mao oI .o .Snzf n E E 6 E. mo 0 mL T8 0 wl 0m|8 0 T8 -3 0 -8 Q -8 0 CLS 0 n FIIIIIIIIII .rl l I I I I I I I l I I lI l I I I l l I i I l I l l I l l I I I I l I I l l l I 1 l l|| 9m.. m.l 1 l l I l I I l I i l l I m 5 5 2. I oN n n Ll .H n m1 H @I Sept. 8,1953 Filed May 15, 1951 R. B. KOEHLER DUAL-POLARITY'GAS TUBE COUNTER 2sheets-smet 2' @sa siro INVERTER INVERTER I 65 sa@ INVERTER EMITTER am?)INVERTER 20 es. 972

I 90 r9! 96 A RESET PULSE To OTHER couNTeRs INVERTER bx PuLse To OTHERcouNTeRs CARRY PULSE INVENTOR ROBERT B. KOEHLER Patented Sept. 8, 1953DUAL-POLARITY GAS TUBE COUNTER Robert B. Koehler, Hopewell Junction, N.Y., assignor to International Business Machines Corporation, New York,N. Y., a corporation of New York Application May 15, 1951, Serial No.226,504

7 Claims.

This invention relates to gaseous discharge counter tubes and moreparticularly to such tubes of the glow transfer type including' meansfor effecting the read-in and storage of both positive and negativemanifestations.

In conventional gaseous discharge counter tubes certain preselectedmanifestations are stored in the tube, there being no provisions orstructure within the tube to distinguish between manifestationsrepresenting positive quantities and manifestations representingnegative quantities. The position of the glow discharge within the tubeindicates the quantity stored in the tube and the transfer of the glowdischarge in response to positive and negative manifestations is thesame for a given quantity to be stored.

A principal object of the invention is to provide a gaseous dischargecounter tube of the glow transfer type for effecting the storage ofpositive manifestations in true form and the storage of negativemanifestations in complement form.

Another object is to provide a gaseous storage device of the glowtransfer type for effecting storage of positive and negativemanifestations by a preselected transfer of the glow discharge along asingle glow transfer path in response to the manifestations, said deviceincluding means for transferring the glow discharge from said pathduring preselected intervals following the storage of said positivemanifestations and prior to the storage of said negative manifestations.

A further object is to provide a gaseous storage device of the glowtransfer type including only a single glow transfer path having aplurality of stable glow discharge positions and glow transfer meansoperable at each of said stable positions for transferring a glowdischarge from that stable position in response to a preselected voltagechange occurring just after the storage of one or more positivemanifestations or just prior to the storage of one or more negativemanifestations.

"ther objects of the invention will be pointed out in the followingdescription and claims and illustrated in the accompanying drawings,which disclose, by way of example, the principle of the invention andthe best mode, which has been contemplated, of applying that principle.

In the drawings:

Fig, 1 is a diagrammatic showing of one embodiment of the invention, and

Fig. 2 is a timing chart illustrative of one pulse arrangement forutilizing the invention, and

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of one arrangement for producingthe pulses shown in Fig. 2.

Briefly, the invention comprises a gaseous discharge counter tube of thegeneral type set forth in the application of Richard K. Steinberg,Serial No. 192,199 filed October 26, 1950 and the application of RobertB. Koehler and Edward J. Rabenda, Serial No. 201,963, led December 2l,1950. The tube set forth in the former application comprises ten digitposition cathodes, ten glow transfer cathodes and an anode common to allthe cathodes. One transfer cathode is interposed between consecutiveposition cathodes so that the twenty cathodes collectively define asingle closed glow transfer path. In operation each negative pulseapplied to the transfer cathodes effects a transfer of the glowdischarge from one position cathode to the adjacent position cathoderepresenting the next higher digit. The glow discharge is transferred inthis manner along the closed glow transfer path in response ot eachnegative pulse applied to the transfer cathodes. Each negative pulseapplied causes a certain preselected glow transfer and such transfer isinsensitive to the polarity of the quantity represented by the negativepulse applied.

The present invention provides an additional cathode for each positioncathode. These additional cathodes are formed as the position andtransfer cathodes, i. e., each is in the form of a hollow cylinder andcoated with some suitable material so that a glow discharge thereto isconned to the inner surface thereof. Glow transfer wires are providedbetween each of these additional cathodes, termed holding cathodesbecause they hold the glow discharge opposite a particular digitposition cathode during the time of application to the transfer cathodesof clock pulses which are not to be counted, and one position cathode sothat a glow discharge may be transferred from that position cathode tothat holding cathode and vice versa upon the application of appropriatevoltages to the electrodes of the tube. All holding cathodes arecommonly connected together and to a voltage source. When pulsesrepresenting negative quantities are to be stored in the tube theholding cathodes are energized and the glow discharge is trans ferredfrom a position cathode to the holding cathode associated with it. Aftera predetermined time interval has passed the holding cathodes are againenergized and the glow discharge is transferred to the position cathodefrom which it was previously transferred to the holding cathode.Thereafter each negative pulse applied to the transfer cathodes causes astepped glow transfer as described in the application referred to above.As a result, pulses representing negative quantities are entered in thetube as the 9s complement of the quantity represented.

Referring more particularly to Fig. l the diagrammatic showing of thenovel storage tube of the invention is designated by the numeral It. Theembodiment shown has aV storage capacity of ten digits, viz. the digits0 9. rEhe position cathodes Clo-S to Cp-l'' inclusive,- are eachrepresentative of the respective designatingsuffix digit. Transfercathodes Cel' to C-Q; respectively, are positioned within the tube sothat one transfer cathode is intermediate each-.two consecutive positioncathodes, the transfer. cathode. C- being intermediate the positioncathodes C11-9 and Cp El. As shown, all position cathodes are commonlyconnected to a terminal Il to which a suitable positive-direct currentvoltagev is applied over a lead Ha. All transfer cathodes are commonlyconnected to an inputterrninal l2 to which negative clock pulses areapplied at uniform intervals, the actual selection of pulses to bestored being determined by the position of a glow discharge within the'tube as described hereinafter. The anode A, common to all of thecathodes of the tubel0, equidistant from each and connected through asuitable anode load resistor to an appropriate source of positivevoltage designated as B+.

Assuming that a glow discharge exists between the postion cathodeCp-Uand the anode A and l that a negative pulse is applied to the inputterminal l2, the leading negative frontof the pulse increases thevoltage difference between the common anode and the transfer'cathodesuntil it is greater than that'between the-anode andthe position cathodeCp-il; As a result, the glow dis-- charge is transferred from theposition cathode C17-), over the transfer wire gt, aflixed at one. endto the transfer cathode C-El, tothe transfer cathode C-Ei and existsbetween that transfer cathode and the anode until thepositive going edgeof the negative'pulse is applied. This positive voltage causes thevoltage differencebetween the position cathodes and the anode to begreater than that between the transfer cathode C-'and the anode. As aresultr the glow discharge is transferred from the transfer cathode'C-gover' the transfer wire gt, affixed at one endto the p0- sition cathodeC19-l to the position'cathode Cp-l;

The glow discharge continues in stable equilibrium betweenH the positioncathodeV Cp--landv the anode until another pulse is appliedto the tubeto change the voltage relationships suiiiciently to cause a transfer ofthe glow discharge; Each subsequent negative pulse applied to theterminal lcauses a similar transfer of the glow discharge to the nexthigher. digit representing.- position cathode. Finally, then tenth suchpulse effects a transfer of the glow' discharge from'the positioncathode C11-9; to the-position cathode- Cp-lthereby placing the glowdischargein'itsinitial or starting position.

The function of the transfer wireslgt is -asset forth in the applicationreferred to above. Also, any conventional means may be employed toeffect a predetermined positioning of the glowdis-- charge at startingand to effect' carry when theglow dischargeleaves or arrivesat-apreselected-4 position cathode. Such meansV and-means for reading outthe values stored in the tube do not constitute part of this invention.

In effecting a reading in of digits of negative sign as 9's complementsthereof the holding cathodes Cs-O to Cs-S inclusive are utilized. Eachof these cathodes is connected by glow transfer means to the positioncathode having the same digit designating suiTix. A glow' transfer wiregt is connected at one end to each holding cathode and has its other endextending into the region ofintense ionization between the correspondingposition cathode and the anode. This glow transfer.- w-ire functions toeffect a transfer of the glow discharge' from the position cathode tothe holding cathodeto-which it is connected. Likewise, a glow transferwire gt is connected at one end to each position cathode and has itsother end extendingk into the region of intense ionization between thecorresponding holding cathode and the anode. This glow transfer wirefunctions to effect a transfer of the glow discharge from-the holdingcathode to the position cathode to which`- it is connected.

The holding cathodes Cs-'to Cs-ll inclusive are commonly connected by alead l5. When avoltage is applied to the lead l5 such that the voltagedifference between the holding cathodes and the anode is greater thanthat between the position cathode and the anode the glow dischargeexisting at one of the position cathodes is transferred-to the holdingcathode coupled to that position cathode by thetransfer wires.Conversely, when the glow dischargeexists at one of the holding cathodesand the voltage difference between the holding cathodes and the anode isless than that between the position cathodes andthe anode the glowdischarge is transferred to the position cathode coupled to that holdingcathode by the transfer wires.

The lead I5 is also connected to a trigger cir-` cuit which appliesacommon voltage change to4 all the holding cathodes to effect a transferof the glow discharge between the holdingand position cathodes or viceversa depending upon the direction of the voltage change.

The trigger circuit I6 includesa vacuum tube Il' having two triode tubesections designated L and R respectively. These tube sectionsarealternately conductive andnon-conductive respectively torep-resenttwol stable conditions. Whenl the tube section L is conductivethe tube section' R ishop-conductive and the trigger circuit is referredto as beingin theLeft condition. Likewise, when the tube section R isvconductive the tube section L is non-conductive andthe trigger circuitis referred-toas being, in the Right condition. The plate of each tubesection is connected through a resistor toterminal l8.to which isapplied a suitable positive voltage yand through a resistor and acapacitor in parallel and a para-v sitic suppressor resistor tothecontrol grid ofthe other tube section. Each of the control grids is alsoconnected through a resistor to a terminal l9"to which is applied asuitable negativevoltage. The control grids of the tube sections arecommonly connected through their respective coupling capacitors to aninput terminal 20. When initially p ut into operation the triggercircuit a1- ways assumes the Left condition as indicated by the X to thelowerl left of the tube section L, such ensured by any conventionalmeans.

The trigger circuit isdesigned' so that it is switchableA from eitherstable condition to the other in response -to negative pulses appliedlto the terminal 20 and is switchably non-respon sive to similarpositive pulses applied to that terminal. When the respective voltagesare initially applied to the terminals I3 and I9 the trigger circuitassumes the Left condition-automatically or is placed in that conditionby any suitable conventional means subsequent to the application of thevoltages. When the rst negative pulse is applied to the terminal 20 ithas no direct effect on the non-conductive condition of the tube sectionR of the tube I'i because the voltage at its control grid is alreadybelow the cutoff value. However, the voltage at the control grid of thetube section L is above the cutoi value because that tube section isconductive. This negative pulse reduces the voltage on the control gridof the tube section L. The voltage at the plate of the tube section L istherefore increased. This increased voltage is transferred through theparallel connected resistor and condenser to the control grid of thetube section R to render the tube section R conductive. The resultingdecreased voltage at the plate of the tube section R is transferredthrough the parallel connected resistor and condenser to the controlgrid of the tube section L to render the tube section L still lessconductive. This cumulative action is continued until the tube section Lis rendered non- A conductive and the tube section R is rendered fullyconductive to place the trigger circuit in the Right condition. If asecond negative pulse is now applied to the terminal 2u the voltage atthe control grid of the conductive tube section R is reduced and asimilar cumulative action occurs to place the trigger circuit in theLeft condition. Subsequent negatve pulses applied to the terminal 20cause -a repetition of the above described switching of the triggercircuit.

It is seen that when the trigger circuit is in the Left condition thevoltage at the plate of the non-conductive tube section R is high andthat when the trigger circuit is in the Right condition the voltage atthe plate of the conductive tube section R is low. The voltage at thisplate is transferred over the lead i5 to the holding cathodes Cs-ii toCs-S, inclusive, and when the trigger circuit is in the Left conditionthe high voltage applied to the holding cathodes is greater than thevoltage applied to the position cathodes so that the voltage differencebetween the holding cathodes and the anode is less than the voltagedifference between the position cathodes and the anode. As a result theglow discharge continues to a position cathode if it was there beforethe switching of the trigger circuit or if the glow discharge was to aholding cathode before the switching of the trigger circuit it istransferred to the corresponding position cathode. Conversely, if thetrigger circuit is switched to the Right condition the voltagedifference between the holding cathodes and the anode is greater thanthat between the position cathodes and the anode. As a result, the glowdischarge is transferred to the holding cathodes from the positioncathodes if it was not already at a holding cathode.

Referring to Fig. 2 there is shown a plurality of pulses which might beproduced during the operation of a calculator or a Variety of circuitscontrolled by a conventional IBM card which utilizes fourteen indexpoints per card cycle. Clock or timed pulses are provided intermediatesuccessive index points from the index points 0 9 inclusive as shown. Acard pulse is produced at any index point X-S inclusive. A reset pulseis produced at the index point I3 and a carry pulse is produced at theindex point I4. Index point D represents the point in the cycle whereone card cycle ends and the next subsequent one begins. A pulse at Xtime in the cycle indicates that the data punched in that card isnegative.

For purposes of explanation it is assumed that the storage Vtube is inits initial or starting condition with a glow discharge existing betweenthe position cathode Cpand the anode. The trigger circuit IE is in theLeft condition, the voltage difference between the holding cathodes andthe anode being less than that between the cathode Cp-D and the anode.

The storage of a positive quantity is begun by the application of clockpulses to the input terminal I2. rIhe negative going leading edge of thel clock pulse, immediately succeeding the 0 card position, lowers thevoltage on the transfer cathodes C-Ii to C-9 inclusive and the glowdischarge existing between the adjacent position cathode Cp-G and theanode is transferred to exist between the transfer cathode C-Il and theanode because the voltage difference between the transfer cathode C-Iland the anode is greater than the voltage difference between theposition cathode C11-Il and the anode. This transfer of the glowdischarge is effected along the transfer wire gt connected to thetransfer cathode Cgil in accordance with the principles set forth in thetween the position cathode Cp-I and the anode. A similar transfer of theglow discharge takes place in response to each clock pulse applied tothe terminal I2, each pulse advancing the glow discharge to the nextadjacent position cathode.

Frequently, it is desirable not to eifect storage throughout the cardcycle. A hole is punched in the card at the index position where it isdesired that storage of the positive manifestations shall cease. Forexample, if it is desired that +2 be stored by the tube Iil a hole orother suitable manifestation is placed in the 2 index position of therecord card. As a result a negative card pulse 2c is produced at 2 timeand applied to the terminal 2i) of the trigger circuit IS. This pulsecauses the trigger circuit I6 to switch from the Left to the Rightcondition. The value of the voltage on the lead I5 connecting the plateof the tube section R to the holding cathode is decreased so that thevoltage diierence between the holding cathode and the anode is greaterthan that between the position cathodes and the anode. Accordingly, theglow discharge existing between the position cathode Cp-Z and the anodeis transferred to the holding cathode Cs-2 and exists between theholding cathode Cs-2 and the anode. Subsequent clock pulses applied tothe input terminal I2 of the tube I0 during the remaining portion of thecard cycle have no effect on the position of the glow discharge and noother storage is effected within the tube I during the card cycle.

Finally, at 13 time a negative reset pulse R is applied to the inputterminal 2t of the trigger circuit It and switches it from the Right tothe` Left condition thereby increasing the voltage on the' holdingcathodes-andmaliing the voltage'difference between the position cathodesandthe anode: greater thanthat'Y betweenL the holding cathode's and thelanode. discharge existing atthe holding' cathode (2s-2 is transferred,over-the glow` transferv wire connected to the' cathode?v Cp-Zf andlextending, into the-` area of intense ionization of ther holdingcathode-Cs-; tothe position-cathode Cin-2f.

Next,-v theL carry pulse Cv is=applied to an'ap'propriatefcarrlycircuitarrangement, not part of thisV invention,- if` aiplurality of tubes are used as an' accumulator. m

Readoutm'a'y nowl be-e'ifectediinan appropriate manner such as rollingVthe counter tube IB' through ten-counts.

The storage of negative' manifestations is accomplished-by storingthe-Sys complement' ofthe index position; The-resulting pulse S,producedby any suitable means} islapplied to the terminal 20- of thetriggercircuit- I5 and switches it to the Right condition therebycausingthe glow discharge to transfer from the position cathode- C13-0 to theholding cathode Csand remains in a state ofstable dischargeuntil` thetrigger f circuit is again switched to the Left condition.

The clock pulses occurringimmediately after 0l and 1 timetherefore-have-nov effect on the stable condition of the tubeIO-when-applied to its terminal I2.

If the value of the negative manifestation-is 2- then acardy pulsev 2cwill be-obtained at the 2 index position or 2 time; This pulse switchesthe trigger circuit I6 backto-the Left condition and'- transfersthe-glow discharge back to the position cathode (3p-Il'. The seven clockpulses subsequent to 2l time then cause the glow discharge to be'transferred in`a step by step fashion to the position cathode-Opeltherebystoring the -2 asl aA-i-T, the 9s complement of the negativemanifestation.

A system or the actual means'for producing the pulses shown inFg. 2does4 not constitute` part of this invention. Further', any suitableconventional meansproducing'positive and nega'- tive pulses to be storedmaybe' employed and it obviously is not requiredthat such means be card"controlled.

Referring to Fig. 3

means between the brush contact rollr 4I- and brushes' 42 and-43; Whenbrush 42 makes connection with contactv roll 4| via a hole in the card acard pulsev is produced; onesuoli brush being provided for each counterto be used.

Brush 43-when in contact' with roll 4I producesv an S pulse (Fig. 2) toindicatewhen-a quantity Only one brush 43 isprovidedirrespe'ctive of thenumber of counters utilized by the accumulator employed.-

is tobe subtracted by the counter.

The clockpulses (Fig. 2) are-produced by an emitter 44 having contactbars 0 through 9. in'-A A. brush contact i5`v rotatable' withshaft 46 isadaptedto contact each'- clusive, I3, I4-,.D and X.

A's ai result thel glow' one such card` controlled' means is showntherein and will' be described briefly. A' record card40-is fed by anysuitableV edge of a positive pulse.

of; theseibars duringeach'rot'ation of the. shaft. The bars I through 9in'clusiveaare' connected to getherfand'V to an output terminal I2awhich is connectedto the input terminal |21 of Fig.' 1. rPhese terminalsare also connected through a resistor 4l toY a'- terminal 48y whichrepresents a suitable-'source'of positive voltage,.say 200 volts.'IshebrushA- 45: is connected to the-brush contacty roll-4I andv to aterminal 49 whichl represents a source of suitable positive voltage, say40 volts'.`

The.'block-T50representsa trigger circuit ofthe-'Eccles-Jo'rdanftype'similar tothe trigger circuit I6 shownin Fig.1V except: that the grids of the respective tube sections areseparatelyv conl n'ectedA to A' receive-input pulses.- Such' connectionis=indicated` by the terminals 5I and 52 respectively. Thistriggercircuit is ofconventionalde'- sight' andf is responsive to a negativegoing. volt'- ag-efapplied' to the controlgrid of its tube 'sectionwhich: is= conductive.. The a: in the left of the block indicates thatthe lefthand tube section'is` initially conductive and hence the triggercircuit will: beswtchedto the Right condition when a' negativegoingvcltage is appliedto theV terminal 5I and thereafter willbeswitchable to the Left condition by the application ofa similar voltageto/the terminal 52'. rlhe negative going voltage applied to this triggercircuit may consist of the leading edge of a negative pulse-'orthertrailing trigger circuit'A is switched in response to the trailingedge ofy a positive pulse. Terminals 53 and 54 of the trigger circuitT56 represent the plates of the respective lefthand and righthand tubesections. plate of the righthandtube section is v connected through alead 55-tof a terminal 56' located in block S51.

The block S51 represents a conventional electronic switch. This switchmay comp-rise any electronic tube which-is connected to be renderedresponsive to the simultaneous application'of two pulses theretosuch-as', for example, the application of positive pulses to each of twogrids represented bythe terminals 56 and 58.- The terminal 59 representsa-connection to the plate ofv the electroni tube-employedas the switch.-Terminal v59 lis-connectedover a lead Gil-to -ay ter-minal 6l in block-162.

The block I62`rep1esents a conventionall electronic inverter stage whichmay comprise a-triode type tube connected to-be'responsive-to-negativepulses applied to itsy control grid-i represented by the terminal Si?.T-he ter-minall 63v represents a connection tothe plate ofthe t'r-iodetube which plate is also connected through aresistor to a source ofvpositive voltage: IBS each also represent a'conventional electronicinverter stage. The plate terminals 61, 68 and 69 of these respectivestages are commonly connectedtogether andv through a common resistor toa suitable source of positivevcltage. It will be noted thattheterminals; 'I I and 'I2 of these respective'stages are'eachconnectedto a separate input. Hence, an output will appear at theterminal-20a eachv time an input is applied to-one of the terminals T0,il or 'I 2'. The terminal 29d-is connected-to the terminali!) (Fig. 1').The

. brush 42 is connected by a lead 'I4 to the terminal I2- of theinverter 166 and through a resistor 'I5 tothe ground. The brush 43 isconnected by. a lead-'I6 to the terminal-5I of the trigger circuit T50and-by leads 16- and v'I1 to the-input terminal 'I I- of inverter 165and to the terminal- 80. The

Asv usedI herein thisl The terminal 54 representingftheV Blocks 164',165' andbrush 43 is also connected through a resistor BI to ground.

The bar I3 of emitter 44 is connected through a lead 83 to a terminal 58of the switch S51 and through a resistor 84 to ground. The bar I4 ofemitter 44 is connected by a lead 86 to a terminal 52 of the triggercircuit T50 and through a resistor 81 to ground. The bar I4 is alsoconnected through leads 86 and 88 to a terminal 89 of an inverter 190similar to the inverter 62. The terminal 9| of the inverter 90 isconnected to a terminal 92 at which negative carry pulses appear.

The terminal 63 of inverter 162 is connected by a lead 95 to theterminal 10 of inverter 154 and to a terminal 96. It will be noted thatthe S pulses which appear at the terminal 80 and R pulses which appearat the terminal 9G are also applied to the terminals 1I and 10respectively of the inverters IE and The terminals 88 and 98 areprovided to convey subtraction and reset pulses respectively tosubsequent orders of an accumulator and are not employed herein.

It is understood that the rotation of the shaft 46 of the emitter 44 issynchronized by any suitable means with the travel of card 4Qintermediate the brushes 42 and 43 and the brush contact roll 4I This isto say that the brush 45 will contact the numbered bar which correspondsto the card cycle points indicated in Fig. 2 when each of those pointsis intermediate the brush 42. and the card contact roll 4|. For example,the brush 45 contacts the bar 43 at 3 time. When the brush 45 contactsone of the bars I through S inclusive, the terminal I 2a is connected tothe +40 volt terminal 49 and a negative clock pulse is produced. Whenthe brush 45 is not in contact with a bar the terminal I2a is connectedonly through the resistor 41 to the +200 volt terminal 4B, hence theglow discharge within the tube I0 (Fig. l) will remain on a positioncathode and each time the brush touches one of the bars and a clockpulse is produced the glow will be transferred to the next positioncathode over the intermediate transfer cathode. When the emitter isoperated at high speeds it is feasible to utilize an electronicsmoothing circuit between the emitter and the counter tube I0 in orderto make sure that the counter is not operated by a spurious responsefrom the emitter. Such a circuit could be ccnnected between theterminals I2@ and I 2.

When the brush 45 contacts the bar I3 a positive reset pulse is producedand applied over the lead 83 to the terminal 58 of switch S51 which willcause conduction through that switch if its other grid represented byterminal 55 is positive. When the brush 45 contacts the bar i4 apositive carry pulse is produced and transferred over the leads 86 and88 to the terminal 89 of inverter 190 and appears at its terminal 92 asa negative carry pulse as indicated in Fig. 2.

At D time (Fig. 2) the trigger circuit T50 is in the Left condition. Thevoltage at terminal 54 (plate of righthand tube section) is thereforehigh. This same high Voltage is applied over the lead 55 to the terminal56 of the switch S51. Hence, a positive pulse applied to the terminal 58of the switch S51 will render that switch operative and produce anoutput at its terminal 59. The actual circuit operation will beexplained with references to the same examples used in connection withthe operation of the tube I8 (Fig. l).

If a +2 is to be stored in the tube I l! clock pulses appearing at theterminal I2 as a result of contact between brush 45 and bars I and 2will eiect a glow transfer within the tube I0 as is previously describedhereinbefore. A hole is punched in the card 40 at the 2 index positionand the brush 42 will contact the brush contact roll 4I thereat to applya +40 volt pulse to the terminal 12 of inverter 168 thereby causing anegative pulse 2c to appear at terminal Zla and prevent further storagein the tube in response to subsequent clock pulses appearing at terminalIza.

At 13 time, when brush 45 contacts bar I3, a positive pulse istransferred over the lead 83 tc the terminal 58 of switch S51 to renderit conductive. A negative pulse is therefore transferred over the lead6i) to the terminal 6I of inverter 162 so that a positive pulse istransferred therefrom over the lead to the terminal 1i] of inverter 164to cause a negative reset pulse to appear at the terminal 24e to effecta resetting of the trigger circuit 20 l).

At 14 time a negative carry pulse is produced as previously described Ifsubtraction is to be performed a hole in the card so indicates andpermits contact of the brush 43 with the brush contact roll 4I totransfer a +40 volt pulse to the terminal 5i of the trigger T50 toeffect a switching of that trigger from the Left to the Right conditionthereby placing a low Voltage on the terminal 56 of the switch S51. Thissame +40 volt pulse is transferred over the leads 16 and 11 to theterminal 1I of inverter 165 to produce the negative pulse S (Fig. 2) atthe terminal 28a. This negative pulse effects a switching of the triggercircuit I6 (Fig. 1) to the Right condition.

rhe subsequent clock pulses I and 2 will therefore have no affect uponthe tube I9. However, since a negative 2 is to be stored, the brush 42will contact the brush Contact roll 4I at 2 time and impress a +40 voltpulse on the terminal 12 of inverter 169 to produce the card pulse 2c atthe terminal 28a and thereby effect a switching of the trigger circuitI6 back to the Left condition so that subsequent clock pulses will bestored in the tube IE). At 13 time the +40 volt reset pulse applied overthe lead 83 to the terminal 58 of the switch S51 will have no effect onthat switch since the voltage on its terminal 56 is low. This pulse willtherefore not be transferred to the trigger circuit I6 since it isblanked out by the switch 51.

At 14 time a negative carry pulse appears at the terminal 52. The +40volt carry pulse appearing on the lead 86 is also transferred to theterminal 52 of the trigger circuit T55 to switch it from the Right tothe Left condition and thereby reset the circuit arrangement to itsinitial condition.

While there have been shown and described and pointed out thefundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a preferredembodiment, it will be understood that various omissions andsubstitutions and changes in the form and details of the deviceillustrated and in its operation may be made by those skilled in theart, without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is theintention, therefore, to be limited only as indica-ted by the scope ofthe following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A gaseous storage device of the glow transfer type wherein theposition of a glow discharge within said device indicates the quantitystored therein comprising 'a group of position cathodes spacedsubstantially equidistant from each other along a closed glow transferpath; a group of odes and within said glow transfer path; :glow transfermeans intermediate-successive cathodes fto facilitate the transfer of aglow dischargefrom each cathode to the next successive catho'degso ,thatsaid glow discharge is transferable along said path in one directiononly; a group cfg-hold- .ing cathodes, one cathode being provided forand corresponding to each of said position cathodes; lan anode common toall of said cathodes; and glowtransfer means intermediateeach holdingcathode and the correspondng'position cathode for transferring a glowvdischarge therebetween.

2. The storage device set forth in claim A1including voltage means-forapplying a steady voltage to said position cathodes; coupling means fromsaid transfer cathodes t0 a source of electrical manifestations to bestored to apply Ysaid manifestations to said transfercathodesso thateach manifestation will cause a glow discharge existing at a positioncathodeto be transferred to the -next position lcathode .along -saidtpath; and Voltage switching `means connected ,to said holding `cathodes*to switch .the '.voltage thereon alternately to different values toY,effect a preselected transfer of the vglow discharge betweencorresponding 'holding and position .,cathodes.

3. The storage device setforth -in claim.2 .including electrical means.connected-to operate said voltage switching means to switch the voltageon said transfer :cathodes from the higher .to .the lower of saiddifferent -.values to transfer a-.glow discharge from a position cathode.to the :corresponding holding Acathode for A.a Y. preselected .timeperiod.

.4. A gaseous-storage tubeof theglow transfer type foreifecting storageof .positiveandnegative manifestations including apreselectednumber ofcathodes arrangedin a single closedglow transfer path; electrical meansconnected .to .effeet transfer ofa single glow discharge `toapluralityofcathodes in response to each manifestation of one polarityto be-stored; .a .plurality of electrodes,.each arranged in glowtransfer relationship with a selected cathode of saidplurality ofcathodes to effect transfer of a-glow discharge therebetween, saidelectrodes being positioned out of said closed glow transfer path; .andelectromechanical ,means for applying a polarity ,indicatingsignal tosaid plurality of electrodes thereby ,effectingsaid transfer of a glowdischarge'betweenlone of said cathodes and one of saidelec- 12 trodes,-and anode :means ycommon to vall usaid cathodes.

5. 'The'storage tube-'setfforthin claim 4wherein said electrodes servevas cathodes, each cathode being formed as an open ended cylinderandcontaining different materials Ion its inner 'and outer surfaces so thata -glow discharge thereto is .substantially confined to .the innersurface thereof; anda single nanode is commonto all-said cathodes.

6. In a gaseous vstorage tube for storing-positive and negative VValueswherein'the lstable position vof aglow dischargeindicatesthefstorageeffected therein; cathode means disposed in a closed glow 'transferpathand providing :stable and unstable glow-discharge positionstherealong; electrical vmeans 'for creating Ia ystable lglow :discharge:at 'a preselected place -on Fsaid cathode means; 'af'sourcefofAelectrical'manifestations'to:be stored and connections therefrom .toysaid icathode means to advance'said glow discharge a-predeterminedIdistance falong said 'glow transfer path.inresponse'v tosaid'electrical. manifestations; a plurality-of'cathodes,one in spacedglow transfer `.position with /each vof said stable -glow lpositions;electrical -polarity sensing mea-ns connected to said pluralityofcathodesandrresponsivefwhen said manifestations from vsaid source:represent a-negative valuecto apply anelectrical changeto saidplurality of cathodesso'that the onein glow transfer position to theglow discharge-will capture 'that glow discharge and `thereby preventthe transfer of -said glow .discharge valong said path in response tosubsequent `electrical :manifestations occurring -during -apredetermined period.

-'7. In a gaseous discharge tube 'of the glow transfer type wherein aglowdischarge is transferred in step-by-step fashion lfrom-one istableposition to another Aalong a predeterminedglow transfer path :toLindicate thestorage-.of -electrical manifestations `by the transfer ofa glow discharge from a stable glow position on-one'cathodetoa stableglow `position on another-cathode', electrical vmeans ffor `creating apreselected vglow discharge within said tube; at least one additionalcathode coupled in glow transfer relation to ysaid one cathode; andelectrical means lcon-- neoted to said cathodes fto effect transfer of aglow discharge from said-onecathodeto-said one additional cathode andvice versa.

ROBERT B. -KOEHLER- No references cited.

